Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
As speculation mounts about a potential IPO, Discord has named Humam Sakhnini, previously Vice Chairman at Activision Blizzard, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Co-founder Jason Citron is stepping down from the CEO position after thirteen years with the company.
Discord exists at the intersection of gaming and social networking. While originally conceived as a communication platform for online multiplayer gamers, it has evolved into a significant social media platform, boasting over 200 million monthly active users.
New CEO Signals Focus on Gaming
The company’s decision to select a new CEO with a background in the gaming sector suggests a strategic alignment with its gaming origins rather than primarily focusing on social networking. A company press release indicated Discord has “refocused on its gaming roots” to investigate avenues for monetization through advertising and micro-transactions.
Potential Concerns for Gamers
The prospect of advertising and micro-transactions might not be welcomed by all gamers. The appointment of Sakhnini, coupled with the anticipated IPO, could lead to concerns that the company may adopt a more corporate and profit-driven approach. Sakhnini formerly served as CEO of King, a mobile gaming developer under Activision Blizzard known for games like Candy Crush, which rely heavily on advertisements and in-app purchases.
Citron’s Continued Involvement
Citron will maintain a role at Discord as an advisor to the CEO and a member of the board of directors.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Time to Recharge
After dedicating 13 years to leading a rapidly expanding startup, Citron expressed his desire to take a break. He shared his plans to enjoy playing games such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Blue Prince, and Baldur’s Gate III.